Alastair Kneale's blog

The Isle of Man is home to a remarkable number of carved crosses and monuments dating from the 5th century to the 12th century. Protected by the Manx National Heritage there are over 200 decorated stone crosses on the Island, most of which can be found in graveyards and churches. The earliest stones carry Celtic designs and inscriptions using an early Celtic script called Ogham. Later Norse sculptors decorated their crosses with both Christian icons and images from their own pagan mythology, along with Norse Runic inscriptions.

The name of the month of August in all three Gaelic languages is derived from the Celtic god Lugh (also known as Lug and in Modern Irish: Lú). In Modern Irish August is called Lúnasa, in Scottish Gaelic: Lùnastal, and in Manx: Luanistyn. At the beginning of the month Lughnasadh is celebrated. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc and Beltane. The festival of Lughnasadh, Lughnasa or Lúnasa, like August is named after the god Lugh.

The Isle of Man's top Celtic festival promises a gifted line up of artists for Yn Chruinnaght Celtic Gathering 24th - 30th July 2023. Information can seen on this link to their website Yn Chruinnaght. The origins of the Festival date back to 1924 and was the idea of William Cubbon, the first director of the Manx Museum, who was also the Honorary Treasurer of both Yn Çheshaght Ghailckagh (The Manx Gaelic Society) and the World Manx Association (WMA).

The ‘Three Legs of the Isle of Man’ triskelion (or triskel) is the Island’s national symbol. Derived from an ancient sun symbol, the triskelion is one of the oldest continually-used national symbols. The Celtic triskel was a symbol that had various meanings for the early Pagans: it was linked to the sun, triadic Gods and the three domains of land, sea, and sky and was also believed to represent the cycles of life, as well as the Triple Goddess - the maiden, mother and wise woman.

Tynwald Day (Manx: Laa Tinvaal), the National Day of the Isle of Man (Mannin) is held on the 5th of July. It is traditionally when the government for the Isle of Man go to Tynwald Hill to read a summary of the laws passed over the last year. The reading is given in Manx Gaelic and English. The artificial hill, which is thought to have started as a Bronze Age burial mound, is made up of four circular platforms. It is said to have been a meeting place for the Celtic midsummer assembly. Hence there is a large Celtic Cross on the site representing the Celtic god, Lugh.

The ocean liner RMS Lusitania was built by John Brown and Company of Clydebank, Scotland and was launched by Cunard in 1906. At one time it held the coveted Blue Riband, which is the accolade given to the passenger liner crossing the Atlantic Ocean in regular service with the record highest speed. Lusitania  was also briefly the world's largest passenger ship. The ocean liner was travelling from New York to Liverpool in 1915 on its 202nd cross Atlantic trip, when on the afternoon of 7th May it was hit by a torpedo fired from a German U-boat.

Breton - Pask Seder

Cornish - Pask Lowen 

Irish - Cáisc Shona duit/Beannachtaí na Cásca ort

Manx - Caisht sonney dhyt

Scottish (Gaelic) - A' Chàisg sona

Welsh - Pasg Hapus

London Manx Society (Yn Cheshaght Manninagh Lunnin)

Annual Lunch Saturday 13th May at 1pm

An afternoon of Manx Music and Dance with

Chloe Woolley, Manx Music Development Officer at Culture Vannin

Chloe will talk to us about Manx Music and she, and her family, all talented musicians, will perform

Price of £30 includes 3 course silver service lunch. Plus:

Yn Chruinnaght (The Gathering) is an annual festival that honours the Isle of Man’s Celtic roots and its strong bond with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany. This years gathering has been announced as taking place between 24th - 30th July. The festival hosts a many varied events showcasing music, dance, language, arts and crafts, lectures and more.

Media Release from Culture Vannin

3 February 2023

"Fiona McArdle awarded the Isle of Man’s highest cultural honour

The Reih Bleeaney Vanannan 2023 has been awarded to Fiona McArdle for her lifelong commitment to and continued involvement in so many facets of Manx culture.